118 



THE KACOON. 



very great length, and but slightly curved. Their color is black, so 

 that they form a very bold contrast with the white fur that falls over 

 the feet. Even at a considerable distance, and by means of its mere 

 outline, the Polar Bear may be distinguished from every other member 

 of the Bear tribe by its peculiar shape. The neck is, although 

 extremely powerful, very long in proportion to the remainder of the 

 body, and the head is so small and sharp that there is a very snake- 

 like aspect about that portion of the animal's person. 



The young of the Nennook are generally two in number, and, when 

 they make their first appearance outside the snow-built nursery in 

 which their few months of existence have been passed, are about the 

 size of shepherds' dogs and in excellent condition. 



Preserving somewhat of the ursine aspect and much of the ursine 

 habits, the Racoon — or Mapach, as it is sometimes named — is an 

 active, spirited, and amusing animal. As it is readily tamed, although 

 rather subject to occasional infirmity of temper, and is inquisitive, 

 quaint, and lively withal, it is a great favorite with such persons as 

 have kept it in captivity. 



The color of this animal is rather peculiar, and not very easy to 

 describe. The general tint of the body and limbs is an undecided 

 blackish gray, the gray and black predominating according to the posi- 

 tion of the observer and the arrangement of the fur. Tlie hairs that 



form the coat of the Racoon 

 are of two kinds, the one of 

 a soft and woolly character, 

 lying next to the skin, and 

 the other composed of long 

 and rather stiflT hairs that 

 project through the wool for 

 some distance. The woolly fur 

 is of a uniform gray, while the 

 longer hairs are alternately 

 marked with black and gray- 

 ish w^iite. Upon the top of 

 the head and across the eyes 

 the fur is of a very dark black- 

 ish brown, and upon the knee-joint of each leg it is of a darker tint than 

 on the rest of the body. The tail is rather short and bushy in cha- 

 racter, and is marked with five, or sometimes six, blackish rings upon 

 a ground of dark gray. 



As is indicated by the peculiar nature of its teeth, the Racoon is 

 capable of feeding on animal or vegetable food, but seems to prefer the 

 latter. Indeed, there seem to be few things which the Racoon will 

 not eat. One of these animals ate a piece of cedar pencil which it 



The Racoon {Procyoit Lotor). 



